Exploring the Determinants of User Acceptance for the Digital Diary Application in Type 1 Diabetes Management: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Abstract

Effective management of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), especially in children, requires continuous monitoring and care. Digital health applications have become vital in supporting routine T1D management, including insulin delivery, glucose monitoring, nutrition, and physical activity tracking. This study investigates factors influencing user acceptance of a digital diary app designed for children with T1D and their families. Using an extended Technology Acceptance Model incorporating Trust, Perceived Risk, Perceived Enjoyment, and Social Influence, a survey was conducted with 114 participants, including parents, physicians, and dietitians. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling. Findings indicate that perceived usefulness, trust, and social influence significantly affect users' attitudes and intentions to use the app, through the accepted hypothesis that considered path coefficients and p-values. Conversely, hypothesis that shows relation between perceived ease of use, enjoyment, and risk toward intention were rejected, showing unsignificant relations toward user intention to use. Furthermore, this study recommends prioritizing robust security features, fostering user trust, and engaging social networks to enhance digital health adoption in pediatric care. Future research should further explore the roles of perceived risk and enjoyment in sustaining long-term engagement